The First Master made a gurgling sound from his throat, his gaze sincere and respectful as he looked at Fourth Master Xiao...
Tong Shen Zhi stood with his hands behind his back, his face without expression but tears welling in his eyes. He turned and quietly instructed Manager Lai, "Go and prepare."
Manager Lai glanced at the First Master through the crowd, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed three times. Wiping his tears with his sleeve, he went out to prepare for the First Master's afterlife arrangements.
On January 22nd, the seventh year of Tian Tong, the First Master passed away. Xiqiu, being about to give birth, could not help, but she kept vigil at Tong Mansion every day. On the second day, Tong Xiyang and Master Puning returned briefly. She knelt before the First Master's spirit for half a day without saying a word and finally, silently followed Master Puning in performing rites for the First Master.
